Multi-timer door actuator



Oct. 23, 1962 F. A. PURDY 3,060,361

MULTI-TIMER DOOR ACTUATOR Filed Jan. 25, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 23, 1962 F. A. PURDY MULTI-TIMER DOOR ACTUATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 25, 1961 Oct. 23, 1962 Filed Jan. 25, 1.961

F. A. PURDY 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 248 42 I20 I L I H8 50 i 49 I26 W United etates Patent 3,060,361 MULTI-TBMER DQOR ACTUATQR Frederick A. Purdy, Scarsdale, N.Y. (300 E. 51st St, New York 22, NY.) Filed Jan. 25, 1961, Ser. No. 84,848 7 Claims. (Cl. 318--266) This invention relates to door operators and particularly to operators for doors of residence garages.

In my United States application Serial No. 687,509, filed October 1, 1957, there is disclosed and described a mechanism for operating a garage door. The mechanism of such application includes an electric motor actuated by a light-sensitive element, the light-sensitive element being positioned in such a manner that the headlights of an approaching car, when directed against the light-sensitive element in a particular sequence, cause the electric motor to operate to open or close the door, as the case may be. A timer of the hourglass type is employed in the mechanism of such application. Such a timer which, for purposes of convenience, is referred to as a powder-timer, is commonly used to time eggs and consists in two closed chambers connected by a restricted passage. A powdered material, either sand or a metal powder, is contained in one of the chambers and, as such chamber is positioned above the other chamber, the powdered material is permitted to flow by gravity through the restricted passage into the lower chamber. In the aforementioned application, the powder time is employed to regulate the operation of a switch. Upon the timers normally lower or outer chamber being swung upward on a pivot, the powder is drained within a period of time into the normally upper or inner chamber, depriving the outer chamber of weight of mass, the force of inertia by which the timer could move another body, such as the button of a switch, but in which, upon an early release of the elevated timer, the outer chamber swings downward with hammer effect to throw the switch by its almost full complement of powder.

In the instant invention the powder timer is employed as a switch actuator, the timer swinging in two successive stages: one externally applied stage, and one internally self-energized stage. In the first stage, the potential is invested for time-effect, and in the second stage the mass of the powder is accumulated for weight-effect. To invest the potential for measuring time, the timer is swung by an exterior device to lift the lower chamber, which has been occupied gravitationally by powder, into the position of an upper chamber at an angle short of vertical, and through a time-period that chamber discharges powder into the other chamber. Lifting of the lower chamber goes far enough only to enable the powder to flow by gravity, a potential to swing further in the same direction by gravity is reserved; so that, when enough powder has drifted into the lower chamber, the timer, by internal weight of powder is urged further towards vertical. The further shift is used to apply the energy for actuation of an instrument.

Two example embodiments of the invention are here shown, one to close a circuit and thus restore operability after a predetermined safety period of ineffectiveness has expired; the other to open a circuit and stop a motor in case of overload or over-run.

ice

In one of the examples here presented, the purpose is to incapacitate a door operator from automatic actuation during a period of time after there has commenced a movement of the door to open or close. This time delay allows the driver of the car, having driven out of the garage and having closed the door from the cars headlight, to maneuver in the driveway without causing a reopening of the door; and provides time for the driver, having approached the garage and having opened the door from the cars headlight, to get through the doorway into the garage without the door moving to close against the car-a possibility altogether probable where the driver having applied and extinguished his headlamp-beam as the prescribed practice to open the door, turns on the headlight when the door has opened and drives through the doorway. The turning on of the headlight and withdrawal of the headlamp beam in the drive toward the doorway, correspond to the prescribed sequence to actuate the door, and in the asbsence of a time-period through which the door operator is incapacitated to actuate the door, could bring the door into a movement of closing against the car. Employment in the present invention of a powder-timer so to incapacitate the door operator is simple, economical, and highly dependable.

A principal object of the instant invention is to employ a timer of the hourglass type, herein called a powdertimer as a timer delay actuator for a garage door.

Another object is to minimize the velocity of swing of the powder-timer, used for the purpose just described, so that it may not effect a premature closing of circuit during the prescribed time-period.

Another object of invention is the employment of a timer of the hourglass style to open the circuit of electric power to the door-drive motor in the event that the routine opening of the circuit fails, or in the event that for any reason the motor-run exceeds the time of its normally prescribed operation. The purpose is to protect the motor against overheating and damage.

Another object, of especial value in the application of a powder-timer to the dual instrumentalities of measuring time and of applying weight of inertia, is in the use of heavy metal for the powder and of providing powder in rounded pellet form to facilitate flow of the powder through orifices of constricted size from one chamber of the timer to the other.

Another object is to provide a pivotal cradling of two single-pole double-throw switches wired to constitute in combination a reversing switch for the motor, permitting the use of miniature switches as now available having buttons thrown on and off with featherweight resistance, and, by eliminating the double-pole double-throw switch as now available that has at its handle a relatively high resistance to throw, easing the mechanical movement of control-parts, reducing the thickness and rigidity of these parts, facilitating the throw of switches thu cradled and combined, and in this arrangement, reducing the number of switches needed, and the number of parts needed to throw the switches.

Another object is to provide a detaching-lug of simpler design, and of greater convenience and dependability, than those appearing in my earlier applications Serial Nos. 669,143 and 687,509, filed July 1, 1957 and October 1, 1957, respectively.

These and other objects will be apparent from the following description and attached drawings showing an embodiment of the invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one type of garage door to which the invention is adapted;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view, partly in section, of the operator of the invention in which the door is shown in closed position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the operator of FIG. 2 but showing the door closely approaching open position;

FIG. 4 is a side view along the line 4-4 of PEG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view, partly in section and in enlarged detail, showing the internal mechanism of the operator;

FIG. 6 is an end view taken along 6-6 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic wiring diagram showing the circuitry of the operator.

In FIG. 1, there is shown a garage generally designated 2, with a doorway, framed by lintel 4 and vertical trim members 6, 8. A door 111, which may be of conventional design, either of one piece or a plurality of hinged panels, is shown in closed position in the doorway. A lightsensitive element 12, such as shown and described in application Serial No. 687,509, is positioned in member 6 for reasons more fully described hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, tracks 14 are at tached to trim members 6, 8 at the opposite sides of door 10 and extend vertically and horizontally within the garage to support and guide the door through rollers 16 fixed to the door. Counterbalancing spring 13 is connected to door 11) by pulley 2t} and cable 22 in the conventional manner.

Roller 16 is connected to rollers 24, 26 and 28 through links 30, 32 and 34, rollers 24, 26, 28 being positioned in track 14 for movement in the track with roller 16. Cable 40 is connected at its opposite ends to plate 42 and extends from plate 42 around pulley 44 rotatably mounted on bracket 46 and around gripping sheave, generally designated 48, to plate 42, plate 42 being removably attached to shaft 49 of roller 28 by cotter key 511 (FIG. 6). intermediate its ends, cable 411* carries lugs 52, 54 for reasons more clearly described hereinafter.

Motor 60 is mounted by bracket 62 at the end of the horizontal portion of track 14 and is connected through a reduction gear 64, of conventional design, to drive shaft 66, gripping sheave 48 being keyed to shaft 66 for rotation therewith. Gripping sheave 48 includes two discs 70, 72 mounted on shaft 66 for rotation therewith and slidable laterally thereon. Shaft 66 and the bore of discs 70, 72 are each provided with a flat so that the gripping sheave discs are driven by and turned with the shaft, but, to the extent of the flats are slidable laterally on the shaft. Inward of shaft 66, adjacent reduction gear 64, the flat terminates to afford a stop 74, and outward of shaft 66, the shaft is threaded, carrying spring 76 and locking nuts 78, 80. For reasons which will be more apparent hereinafter, cable 40 is frictionally engaged between the two sheave discs, the frictional engagement of the discs with the cable being determined by the compression of spring 76 on shaft 66 as adjusted by locking nuts 78, 80. As is evident from the foregoing description, rotation of shaft 66 by motor 60 moves cable 40 back and forth, depending on the direction of rotation of shaft 66 by motor 60. Since cable 40 is connected to the door by plate 42 and the rollers and linkages associated therewith, rotation of shaft 66 opens and closes the door.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, housings 101), 102 are mounted vertically adjacent motor 611 and house the motor control linkages. Arms 1114, 106 are pivotally mounted at 108, 1111 to the wall of housing 100. At one of their ends arms 104, 106 are interconnected by link 112 pivotally connected to arms 104, 106 by pins 114, 116. Bell crank 118 is pivotally mounted at 1211 to the wall of housing 100 and is connected by springs 122, 124 to link 112. At its opposite end, bell crank 118 is pivotally connected at 126 to one end of plate 130, plate 130 being pivotally connected at its opposite end by pin 132 to one end of link 134 which, in turn, is pivotally connected at its opposite end by pin 136 to lug 138 fixed on housing 162. For reasons more apparent hereinafter, movement of plate in housing 102 is controlled by arms 104, 166 through springs 122, 124 and bell crank 118, the position of arms 104, 166 being regulated by lugs 52, 54 carried on cable 40.

A cradle 1411, carrying an hourglass powder timer 142, is pivotally mounted in housing 102 on rod 144, powder timer 142 being fixed to cradle 140. Powder timer 142 is a conventional gravitational flow type of hourglass timer in which a material, either granular or liquid, flows from chamber 142a to chamber 142b, through a restricted passage 142c. Powder timer 142 is mounted on cradle with its center at the axis of rotation of cradle 140 on rod 144. A second powder timer 146 is fixed in cradle 148 which, inturn, is mounted pivotally on rod 144. A third powder timer 156 is fixed in cradle 152 also pivotally mounted on rod 144. Cradle 140 has, afiixed thereto by a bracket 15 9, a cam member 160 having an enlarged opening 162 in one of its ends and, at its opposite ends, is formed with camming surfaces 1641b. A pin is held by brackets 166 and 169 supported by plate 130 and is positioned in opening 162 for reasons more fully explained hereinafter.

Brackets 164, 166 are fixed to plate 130 by screws 168, bracket 166 being fixed to bracket 164 by screws 170. Spring 172 is fastened at one of its ends to bracket 164 and, at its opposite end, to housing 162 by member 174.

Solenoid 186 is mounted on bracket 182 fixed to housing 162. A contact point 184 is attached to bracket 185 fixed to the housing of solenoid 1611 and is positioned to make contact with contact point 186 carried on arm 188. Arm 1% is mounted for pivotal movement on pin 190 fixed to bracket 185 and at its opposite end is in contact with camming surface 1611b of cam member Cradle 148 of powder timer 146 is connected by spring 2111 to plunger 262 of solenoid 180. In this arrangement, when solenoid is actuated, plunger 202 is retracted and, through spring 2110, pivots powder timer 146 on rod 144, moving the lower or outer chamber of powder timer 146 upward, placing timer 146 in a position somewhat short of vertical. With timer 146 held in this position, the material (in the lower chamber of the timer before actuation by solenoid 180) flows by gravity into the other chamber of the timer. Obviously, as the material flows, the center of gravity of timer 146 is moved inwardly toward the pivotal mounting of cradle 148 on rod 144. -For reasons pointed out hereinafter, the movement of the center of gravity inwardly toward rod 144 affects the force of inertia by which powder timer 146 and cradle 148 will swing when solenoid 180 is inactivated.

A pair of single pole, double-throw switches 210, 212 are fixed to bracket 214 pivotally mounted by pin 216 on housing 102, an arm 218 of bracket 214 extends outward from the bracket and is positioned between pins 221, 223 fixed to plate 130. Switches 210, 212 are of the positive actuated type, that is, the push buttons of the switches extend outwardly from the opposite sides of the switches and, when depressed from one side of the switch, remain depressed until the switch button is pushed from the opposite side of the switch. A fixed bracket 220 is fixed to housing 102 by rivets 222, 224 and carry adjustable stops 226, 228, stops 226, 228 being positioned at the rear of switches 210, 212 to contact and depress the respective switch buttons as bracket 214 is pivoted on pin 216.

As best shown in FIG. 5, cradle '152 carrying powder timer 150 is pivotally mounted on rod 144 at an extension 230, powder timer 150 being moved arcuately around rod 144 as cradle 152 is pivoted on rod 152 on its pivotal connection on extension 230. A solenoid 232, having a plunger 234, is mounted in a fixed position on housing 102, plunger 234 being connected to one end of extension 230 of cradle 152. Arm 236 is pivotally connected at one of its ends by pin 238 to the other end of extension 230 and, at its opposite end, is pivotally connected to hand actuator 240. A normally closed switch 242, having a spring urged button 244 is fixed to housing 102. Switch 242 is positioned on housing 102 in such a location that, as timer 150 is swung in an arcuate path around rod 144 to the dotted line position as shown in FIG. 5, the outer end of timer 156 will contact and depress button 244 opening switch 242.

For reasons which will be more apparent hereinafter, cradle 152 and powder timer 1511 are pivoted arcuately about pin 238 by actuation of solenoid 232. Under normal circumstances, powder timer 150 is rotated to the dotted line position, as shown in FIG. 5, and after a short period of time, is released, returning, by gravity, to its initial position. However, if held in the elevated position by solenoid 232 for an extended period of time, the powder, which was in the lower chamber prior to rotation, drains from the chamber and, by gravitational action, rotates powder timer 152 further clockwise to open switch 242. To reclose switch 242 cradle 15% and powder timer 152 are rotated counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 5, by pulling hand actuator 240 downward.

Referring now to FIG. 7, showing, diagrammatically, the circuitry of the motor control mechanism, light-sensitive element 12 is connected through switch contact points 184, 186 to relay 2611. With contact points 184, 186 closed, actuation of relay 260 by the application of light to capsule 12 closes switch 262. For purposes more clearly described hereinafter, switch 262 may also be closed by a manual button 264 (see also FIG. 5). With switch 262 closed, solenoid 136 is actuated, retracting plunger 2112 and pivoting cradle 148 and powder timer 146 clockwise on rod 144.

As will be more apparent hereinafter, operation of door is regulated by applying and withdrawing the headlight beam to capsule 12 in the proper time sequence. Thus, light is applied to capsule 12 actuating relay 2613, switch 262 and solenoid 180 and swinging cradle 148 and powder timer 146 clockwise, swinging the outer or lowermost chamber of powder timer 146 upward to a position above the upper chamber. Within a very short interval of time after initial application of the headlight beam to capsule 12, the light beam is removed from capsule 12, deactuating relay 260, opening switch 262 and deactuating solenoid 180. Cradle 148 and powder timer 146 are then released and swing downward, counterclockwise, by gravity. Since the outer or lowermost chamber of powder timer 1 46, as shown in FIG. 9, has been held only transiently in the elevated position above its pivotal mounting on rod 144, very little of the powder material has drained from the outer chamber. Hence, when cradle 148 and powder timer 146 are released, the inertia mass of the powder in the outer chamber swings the cradle and powder timer downward past the vertical position of the timer and against the plunger of either switch 210 or 212 which, for purposes of illustration, are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7. As will be more obvious hereinafter, the selection of the switch to be actuated by the downwardly swinging powder timer depends on the relative position of the two switches which is regulated by the mechanical movement of plate 130. Closing of switch 210 or 212, as the case may be, closes the circuit to motor 60, actuating motor 611 to open or close the door. In addition to actuating motor 60, closing of switch 211 or 212 also closes the circuit to solenoid 232 which, in turn, swings powder timer 150 about rod 144, reversing the relative positions of the chambers of powder timer 150, and brings powder timer 151) to a position just short of vertical. In this position the powder in powder timer 150 starts to flow slowly from the elevated chamber to the lower chamber. For reasons more apparent hereinafter, the circuit to motor 66 and solenoid 232 is reopened mechanically before a significant amount of powder has 6 flowed from the upper elevated chamber to the lower chamber. If, however, because the door encounters some obstruction, the circuit to motor 60 and solenoid 232 is not opened mechanically Within a preset time, the how of powder in powder timer 150 continues until sufficient powder has flowed to swing powder timer 150 into position to open switch 242 and the circuit to motor 60. The opening of switch 242 by powder timer 150 is a safety feature of the instant invention and functions only under unusual conditions. Once switch 242 is opened and the motor is stopped, the obstruction may be removed. Switch 242 can then be closed and powder timer 151i reset by the manual operation of actuator 240.

In operation, motor 60 operates door 10 through grip sheave 48 and endless cable 40 which is connected to the door by detachable plate 42. Lugs 52, 54, attached to cable 40, actuate the mechanical linkages to control the motor as the door is opened or closed.

As best shown in FIG. 5, with the door in its open position, lug 52 is in contact with the upper end of arm 166 and has pivoted arms 1116, 1114 counterclockwise, pivoting bell crank 118 clockwise and tensioning spring 122, holding plate 131? in the downward position as shown in FIG. 5. To simplify the description for present purposes, the door has been in its open position for the required length of time, the car has been backed out of the garage and contact points 134, 186 are closed. The headlight beam is then applied to capsule 12 and, after a short in terval of time, is extinguished by turning off the headlights. When the headlight is applied to capsule 12, relay 261i is actuated, closing switch 262 and actuating solenoid 131i, swinging cradle 148 and powder timer 146 clockwise around rod 144 (FIG. 7). If the headlights are extinguished within the prescribed time interval, relay 261} is deactuated, opening switch 262, deactuating solenoid 186 and releasing cradle 148 and powder timer 146. Powder timer 146 then swings downward, closing switch 210, and actuates motor 60. Motor 60 then rotates grip sheave 48 through reduction gear 62, in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 5, driving cable 40 (with lug 52) to the right and closing the door.

As the door approaches its closed position, lug 54 on cable 40 moves from the right of FIG. 5 toward arm 106 and, on contacting arm 1G6, pivots arms 106, 104 clock- Wise about pivots 110, 108, respectively. Clockwise movement of arms 1G6, 104 rotates bell crank 118 counterclockwise through springs 122, 124. Movement of bell crank 118 counterclockwise lifts plate upward as shown in FIG. 5. Movement of plate 130 upward in housing 1112 opens switch 211) in the motor circuit to stop motor 61) and, at the same time, opens contact points 184, 186, opening the circuit between capsule 12 and relay 260.

As plate 130 moves upward, pin 221 carried by plate 130 contacts arm 218, swinging arm 218 and switches 210, 212 clockwise, the plunger of switch 210, which had been pushed inwardly from the front of the housing by powder timer 146 when the door closing operation was initiated, contacts the stop 226 fixed to bracket 220, r'e-' turning the plunger of switch 210 outward from the front of the housing, opening switch 210 and the circuit to motor 60. Motor 66 is then in its stopped position and the door is closed.

The next movement of door will be an opening movement. When that movement occurs, carrying lug 54 away from arm 166, the door will have lifted less than an inch before spring 124, will have relieved its tension from its stretched condition (the condition illustrated in FIG. 5 for spring 122 with door open) and, aided by spring 172 relieving itself into a straight line, the two springs 122 and 124 will bring their coils to rest, and will counter-resist each other, bringing bell crank 118 clockwise, and its legs into respective vertical and horizontal positions. Thus the leg that pivotally attaches to plate 130 will bring the plate downward half-way in its travel distance, so that pin will enter snugly into the angular tip of the cam-hole 162, and timer 142, rigidly attached to the cam, will move about 65 into the horizontal position. When the door reaches fully open position, lug 52 will throw arm 106 into the position illustrated in FIG. 5, stretching spring 122 into its position of FIG. 5. This brings cam 160 through about 55, leaving a remainder of about for free movement of timer 1411 and pin 1453 across the broader part of the hole 162 in cam 160. It is this free movement that is referred to in the third paragraph of this description as the internally self-energized stage. In that free movement the accumulation of powder in the lower chamber will afford gravitational stress to raise arm 188, close the contacts 184 and 186, and hold these closed.

In first moving timer 142 to horizontal and bringing it to rest before further movement, a useful purpose is served, the reduction of velocity in the timer. At a high velocity the timer could over-run to close the contacts 184 and 186 prematurely and, if occurring coincidently with other conditions, could bring the door into closing movement down against a car entering the garage. When the door closes, springs 122 and 124, bell crank 11%, plate 1.30, pin 145, cam 160, and timer 1 42, act in the same way as above described for opening, but act in the reverse directions.

As best shown in FIG. 5, opening 162 is larger than pin 145. With the flowable powder in the elevated chamber, the powder flows through the restricted passage from the upper to the lower chamber. When suflicient powder has flowed into the lower chamber, the center of gravity of powder timer 142 shifts, causing powder timer 142 to further rotate on rod 144 and reclose contact points 184, 186 to reconnect the circuit between capsule 12 and relay 2611. As is apparent, with contact points 184, 186 open, the entire motor control system is rendered nonresponsive to the application of light to capsule 12. Thus, by a selection of the powder or granular material employed in powder timer 142 and by regulating the size of the passage between the two chambers, the time interval in which the system is non-responsive to the headlight beam can be regulated. In this manner the driver of the vehicle is aiforded ample opportunity to initiate the door operation by a sequential application and withdrawal of the headlight beam to capsule 12 to open or close the door and, at the same time, to use his headlights as he drives into the garage or backs out of the driveway without reinitiating door operation. This is, of course, a decided advantage.

In the instant invention, the door is set to complete its operation within a preset time. Once the operation of the motor is initiated to open or close the door, under normal operating conditions, the door will be fully opened or fully closed, as the case may be, after a predetermined interval of time. Should, however, some obsrtuction get in the Way of the door, the frictional load of grip sheave 48 on cable '40 will be exceeded and grip sheave 48 will slip on cable 40, the motor continuing to operate without driving the door. In order to protect motor 60 from damage in the case of such event and prevent extended over-runs, a time controlled switch 242 and solenoid 232 in the motor control circuit. During normal operation of motor 60, switch .242 is closed and solenoid 232 is actuated. Solenoid 232 is connected by a mechanical linkage to powder timer 150 and, on actuation of the solenoid, is rotated approximately 130, that is, to a position about 25 short of vertical. Before rotation, of course, the the powder within powder timer 151) has flowed by gravity into the lower chamber. When powder timer 150 is rotated, the lower chamber is elevated and the powder slowly flows into the opposite chamber. The weight of the powder and the size of the passage between the chambers are regulated so that, under normal operating conditions, an insignificant amount of the powder flows from the raised chamber. Hence, when the operation of the door is completed within the normal time interval, solenoid 232 is inactivated and powder timer returns to its initial or inoperative position. If, however, the motor continues to run over a prolonged period, solenoid 232 'holds powder timer 150 in its elevated position and powder continues to flow from the elevated chamber. If held elevated for a sufiicient length of time, sufiicient powder flows to shift the center of gravity of powder timer 150 causing powder timer 15b to rotate to a position 25 short of vertical position and open switch 242. Once switch 242 is opened, the circuit to motor 61) is opened and the motor cannot be operated until switch 242 is closed by mechanically resetting powder timer 150 with hand actuator 240.

Operation of the motor 61 to open the door is in the same manner. After the door is initially closed, contact points 134, 18 6 remain open rendering capsule 12 ineffective to actuate the door. Thus, the vehicle can be backed out of the driveway with the headlights on but without operating the door in case the headlight beam should inadvertently reach capsule 12. As aforestated, as plate 131? was moved upward in housing .102 timer 1 42 was brought through two stages totaling approximately 120, that is, to a position approximately 35 short of vertical. In this position, the powder flows downwardly through the restricted passage between the two chambers until the weight of the powder swings powder timer 142 about 10 further, closing contact points 184, 186. With contact points 184, 1% closed, capsule 12 is again connected to relay 261i and will initiate actuation of the door when the headlight beam is directed against the capsule in proper sequence.

To open the door after contact points 184, 186 are closed, the headlight beam is projected onto capsule 12 for a short interval of time and removed. This can be accomplished by turning on and then turning off the vehicle headlights. With the headlight beam on capsule 12, relay 2611 is actuated, closing switch 262 and actuating solenoid 181) to swing cradle 148 and powder timer 146 clockwise about its pivotal mounting on rod 144. When the headlight beam is withdrawn from capsule 12, relay 261i is inactivated, opening switch 262 and deactivating solenoid 1841. Since powder timer 146 has been held elevated for only a short interval of time, when released, due to the mass of powder in the outer chamber, cradle 148 and powder timer 146 swing downwardly past the vertical position contacting the plunger of switch 212', closing switch 212 and starting motor 60 to open the door. At the end of the door operation, that is, when the door is completely open, lug 52 pivots arms 106, 104, opening switch 212 and setting switch 210 for operation when the door is to be closed. The balance of the mechanism and powder timers are operated in the same manner as described in closing the door.

Since the door is actuated by the application of light to capsule 12 in a predetermined sequence, the system is inactive when light is applied, continuously, to capsule 12. This is accomplished by cradle 148 and powder timer 146. If light is applied to capsule 12 for a prolonged period of time, relay 260 holds switch 262 closed, causing solenoid to hold cradle 148 and powder timer 146 in the elevated position. While held in the elevated position, the powder in the powder timer 146 flows downwardly into the chamber closest to the pivotal mounting of cradle 148 on rod 144. When light is removed from capsule 12 deactivating relay 260, opening switch 262 and deactivating solenoid 180, due to the location of the mass in powder timer 146 adjacent to rod 144, powder timer 146 does not swing far enough to close switch 210 or 212. Hence, the door is not operated.

While the foregoing description has been directed to actuation of the door by the headlight beam of the vehicle to open the door in approaching the garage and to close the door after backing out of the garage, the door may be opened or closed manually whether or not the car is in the garage by pressing button 264- Which mechanically operates switch 262. In operating the door in this manner, button 264- is pressed in a manner similar to the application of light to capsule 12, that is, the button is pushed and released and is not held depressed for any prolonged period of time. In order to lock the garage, a switch 280 is positioned between the power supply and motor 6%. By opening switch 280 power to motor 60 is cut ofi.

In the event of power failure, the automatic actuator may be readily disconnected from the door by removing cotter key 50 and releasing plate 42 from shaft 48. With the automatic actuator released in this manner, the door may be operated by hand in the conventional manner and, when power is restored, the door may be moved to re-align shaft 48 with plate 42, the plate may be repositioned on the shaft and cotter key 50 reinserted. Automatic actuation of the door may then be resumed.

The powder timers of the instant invention are selected to be effective at preselected time intervals. This is accomplished by selecting the size of the powder timer, the size of the restricted passage between the two chambers of the individual timers, and by the select-ion of the flowable material employed within the timer. In order to keep the powder timers to a convenient size and, at the same time, provide sufiicient mass or weight so that the timer will be effective in its operation, I prefer to use a mental powder as the flowable material. Preferably, this metal powder is in the form of rounded pellets. Obviously, other materials might also be employed for this purpose.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. A timer for controlling the operation of a device comprising, a powder timer having a first chamber, a second chamber and a restricted passage interconnecting said first and second chambers, said powder timer being mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis with one of said chambers above said pivotal mounting and the other of said chambers below said pivotal mounting, said chamber below said pivotal mounting containing a flowable material, and means for rotating said timer on said pivotal mounting to a first position where said chamber containing said flowable material is located at a position above a horizontal plane extending through said axis, said means for rotating said timer including means responsive to the flow of material from said chamber above said horizontal plane to said chamber below said horizontal plane to permit said powder timer to rotate to a second position beyond said first position whereby, as said timer is rotated by the flow of material, said timer causes the operation of the device.

2. A timer as recited in claim 1 in which said flowable material is metal powder.

3. A timer as recited in claim 2 in which said metal powder is in the form of rounded pellets.

4. A timer for controlling the operation of a switch comprising a switch, a powder timer having a first chamber, a second chamber and a restricted passage interconnecting said first and second chambers, said powder timer being mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis with one of said chambers above said pivotal mounting and the other of said chambers below said pivotal mounting, said chamber below said pivotal mounting containing a fiowable material, said switch being mounted in a fixed position above said pivotal mounting adjacent the path swept by the rotation of said powder timer about its pivotal mounting, means on said switch for engagement by said timer as said timer is moved through said path to operate said switch when said timer contacts said means, and means for rotating said timer on said pivotal mounting to a first position where said chamber containing said flowable material is located at a position above a horizontal plane extending through said axis, said means for rotating said timer including means responsive to the flow of material from said chamber above said horizontal plane to said chamber below said horizontal plane to permit said powder timer to rotate to a second position whereby, as said timer is rotated by the flow of material to said second position said timer contacts said means connected to said switch to operate said switch.

5. In a door operator, a door, a motor connected to said door, a power supply for said motor, a switch intermediate said motor and said power supply, a signal responsive means for operating said switch, and mear connected to said signal responsive means to render said signal responsive means inoperative for a time interval after said motor has been operated, said means for rendering said signal responsive means non-responsive comprising a powder timer having a first chamber, a second chamber and a restricted passage interconnecting said first and second chambers, said powder timer being mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis with one of said chambers above said pivotal mounting and the other of said chambers below said pivotal mounting, saidchamber below said pivotal mounting containing a flowable material, and means for rotating said timer on said pivotal mounting to a first position where said chamber containing said flowable material is located at a position above a horizontal plane extending through said axis, said means for rotating said timer including means responsive to the flow of material from said chamber above said horizontal plane to said chamber below said horizontal plane to permit said powder timer to rotate to a second position beyond said first position whereby, as said timer is rotated to said second position by the flow of material, said timer reconnects said signal responsive means to said motor.

6. A door operator comprising, a door, a motor connected to said door, a power supply for said motor, a switch intermediate said motor and said power supply, a signal responsive means for operating said switch, means intermediate said signal responsive means and said switch for rendering said signal responsive means ineffective for operating said switch for a time interval after said motor has been actuated, said means for rendering said signal responsive means ineffective comprising a timer having a first chamber, a second chamber and a restricted passage interconnecting said first and second chambers, said powder timer being mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis with one of said chambers above said pivotal mounting and the other of said chambers below said pivotal mounting, said chamber below said pivotal mounting containing a flowable material, and means connected to said motor for rotating said timer on said pivotal mounting to a first position where said chamber containing said fiowable material is located in a position above a horizontal plane extending through said axis, said means for rotating said timer including means responsive to the flow of material from said chamber above said horizontal plane to said chamber below said horizontal plane to permit said powder timer to rotate to a second position beyond said first position whereby, as said timer is rotated to said second position by the flow of material, said timer connects said signal responsive means to said switch.

7. A door operator comprising, a door, a motor connected to said door, a power supply for said motor, a power supply switch intermediate said motor and said power supply, a signal responsive means for operating said power supply switch to connect said motor to said power supply, means intermediate said signal responsive means and said power supply switch for rendering said signal responsive means ineffective for operating said switch for a time interval after said motor has been actui. ll ated, said means for rendering said signal responsive means ineffective comprising a timer having a first chamher, a second chamber and a restricted passage interconmeeting said first and second chambers, said powder timer being mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis with one of said chambers above said pivotal mounting and the other of said chambers below said pivotal mounting, said chamber below said pivotal mounting containing a fiowable material, means connected to said motor for rotating said timer on said pivotal mounting 10 of material from said chamber above said horizontal 15 plane to said chamber below said horizontal plane to permit said powder timer to rotate to a second position beyond said first position to close said power supply switch and reconnect said signal responsive means to said power supply switch, a reversing switch intermediate said motor and said power supply, said reversing switch having a first position for connecting said motor to said power source to drive said motor in a one direction to open said door and a second position for connecting said motor to said power source to drive said motor in an opposite direction to close said door, an actuator for said reversing switch and means operated by said signal responsive means for actuating said actuator.

No references cited. 

